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“Social Distancing In Church Is Unbiblical” – Pastor Chris

By
Alex Enemanna
-
0

Chris Okotie, the pastor of the Household of God Church, says the proposed guidelines by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the reopening of churches are “unbiblical”.

Like mosques, churches have remained closed in several states across the country for weeks as part of measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

But according to The Sun, CAN have last Thursday said it released a 10-point guideline to be presented to the federal government for approval.

Samson Ayokunle, CAN president, said the guidelines, drafted in compliance with the government’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19, would determine the operations of churches when they reopen.

The guidelines, among others, propose that churches should strictly observe social distancing during services.

“Every worshipper must wear a face mask. Social distancing should be observed in the sitting arrangement with the one-meter gap between two worshippers. One and a half-hour service is enough for a start.

Read Also: Hold Dangote Responsible For Importation Of Almajiri Into Igbo Land — COSEYL

“There should be a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services to avoid crowd,” Ayokunle had said.

In his reaction, Okotie, in a statement on Sunday, wondered why CAN would allow the coronavirus pandemic to determine the scope of worship in churches.

“Greetings. I am Rev Chris Okotie. I called earlier to discuss a report in today’s Sun Newspaper in which CAN recommend guidelines for the Opening of Churches.

“Social distancing in the Church of Jesus Christ is tantamount to blasphemous infidelity and an impeachment of the integrity of the word of God,” he said.

The clergyman said such directives undermine the divine healing characteristic for which the church is known for.

He went on to call on CAN to reconsider its position, adding that no true minister of God would support such initiative.

“Healing is fundamental to the redemptive work of Jesus. To allow the idol of coronavirus to determine the scope of congregational worship in the house of God is an abomination of gargantuan proportions,” he said.

“No true minister of the gospel will succumb to such travesty of the faith. This is a summary of my objections. I have sent this message hoping that you would respond as one who bears the burden of the cross of Jesus.

“I have restrained myself from making a public outcry of this desecration and profanation out of respect for you and the CAN hierarchy. But be assured that this position is transient.”

Okotie’s statement comes about three weeks after David Oyedepo, the presiding bishop of Living Faith Worldwide, declared that anyone against the rise of the church will die.

Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, had also scolded pastors for shutting down their churches in compliance with the federal government’s ban on religious gatherings.

Nigeria Needs To Scale Up COVID-19 Testing – ActionAid

By
Alex Enemanna
-
1

ActionAid Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, says the country needs to scale up its testing capacity for COVID-19.

In a statement issued after its virtual meeting on Saturday, the organisation said Nigeria needs to intensify actions on clinical and preventive measures.

Nigeria has so far tested a little above 60,000 people for the coronavirus, but this is still low when compared to samples tested by other African countries; for instance, as of May 6, Ghana said it had conducted 135,902 tests.

ActionAid said while the country needs to scale up it’s testing, physical distancing advisory should be implemented to the letter.

“The Federal, State and Local governments should develop and include a coordinated approach to manage the relocation and welfare of street children in the local, state and national COVID-19 response strategy,” the organisation said.

Read Also: Bandits Kill APC LG Chairman, Take Over Villages

“There should be adequate space for the children in their holding locations with guaranteed safety, shelter, physical distancing, sustainable feeding and testing for COVID-19.

“Beyond COVID-19, northern state governors should start to conceptualise ways to fix the Almajiri system by intensifying the campaign for parents to take responsibility for their children while articulating a robust plan that will keep children off the streets for good and reintegrate them in formal education.”

It also called on the government to increase budgetary allocations for agriculture, health and education sectors to aid Nigeria’s recovery from the pandemic.

“Evidence has shown that increased investments in these pro-poor sectors have a strong impact on poverty and inequality reduction, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities,” it said.

“Agriculture employs up to 80% of the population, especially in the informal sector, where the majority of the small-scale food producers are women farmers.

“Financial inclusiveness should be encouraged through increased access to credit for the small-scale farmers.”

ActionAid further said lawmakers should partner with civil society organisations to redraft the controversial Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020, and “replace the oppressive clauses in the proposed bill with provisions that guarantee human rights and privacy in access to healthcare.”

Bandits Kill APC LG Chairman, Take Over Villages

By
Alex Enemanna
-
1

Bandits have killed the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Batsari Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, Mr Abdulhamid Duburawa.

The lawmaker representing Batsari Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jabiru Yauyau, confirmed the killing of the APC chairman in a telephone interview with THISDAY yesterday.

Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Faskari LGA in the state, yesterday also raised the alarm that the bandits had taken over their villages and communities.

Yauyau said the bandits, riding on motorcycles, stormed the residence of the victim at Sabon-Garin Duburawa village in Ruma ward of the council area about 12:47 pm yesterday.

He said: “It is true, some bandits riding on motorcycles attacked our party chairman, Abdulhamid Sani Duburawa, at his hometown Sabon-Garin Duburawa and shot him severally and left.

“He was rushed to the Batsari General Hospital for treatment but unfortunately for us, he died. His body has been moved to his residence here in Batsari in preparation for burial.”

The lawmaker called on security personnel to intensify efforts in tackling banditry in the area, saying “if not, the bandits will finish us.”

However, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, a Superintendent of Police, was yet to respond to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the IDPs in Faskari LGA in the state, yesterday raised the alarm that bandits have sacked their villages and communities.

Read Also: Buhari Set To Approve Reopening Of Worship Centres

The displaced persons, who are currently taking refuge in Faskari Model Primary School alleged that despite the deployment of security personnel by the federal government to flush out the hoodlums in the state, killings had continued unabated in their villages.

The refugees, in separate interviews with THISDAY in the makeshift camp, said the bandits had taken over Birni Kogo, Ungwan Tsamiya, Ungwan Liman, Ungwan Zuru, Bangi and Kafi, among other villages in the local government area.

The Chairman of the camp, Mr Aliyu Lawal, had told THISDAY that there were 2,624 IDPs in the camp and over 3,000 others outside the temporary camp.

According to Lawal, the displaced persons are from 23 villages of Birnin Kogo, Tsamiya, Zuru, Bangi, Kafi, Ungwan Liman, Gago, Gidan Wakili, Makera, Gidan Sharo, Danmairo, Sabuwar Ungwa, Ruwan Kusa, Bika, Kogon Kura, Dan Boka, Maigiya, Gwanki, Dudu, Ungwan Dorawa, Shuwaki, Akwanfa and Rabah.

One of the IDPs, Saratu Maigora, from Zuru, said the marauding bandits ransacked their village and carted away all their belongings, including foodstuffs.

She added that banditry and other heinous activities orchestrated by the miscreants have become a daily occurrence in most communities in Faskari.

“Since the day we were displaced by bandits in Zuru, they couldn’t allow us to return. They have taken over our ancestral homes; we want to go. The police should go and kill these bandits,” she stated.

Another refugee, Mr Abubakar Kabiru, said: “We have been displaced by bandits for almost a month. Many people who survived the invasion are squatting with families and friends or getting shelter wherever they can with untold hardship.”

On his part, Adamu Bangi, said: “Even yesterday (Saturday) bandits killed three people and kidnapped six others in Matsuri village of Faskari.

“They came on motorcycles and attacked Matsuri and adjoining villages; shooting sporadically and in the process killed the victims. The government should put an end to these killings,” he added.

Buhari Set To Approve Reopening Of Worship Centres

By
Alex Enemanna
-
1

President Muhammadu Buhari is likely to approve the reopening of churches and mosques from Monday this week.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha says appropriate recommendations on the reopening of worship centres have been forwarded to the President for approval.

Mustapha was responding to questions from journalists after he led members of the PTF to brief the President as the first phase of the easing of lockdown restrictions elapses nationwide.

He says the states have a critical role to play in the second phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown.

Read Also: “Social Distancing In Church Is Unbiblical” – Pastor Chris

After submitting the fourth interim report to President Buhari on the gradual reopening of the economy at the Presidential Villa, the PTF said Nigeria is still in the most dangerous stage of the Covid-19 pandemic which is community transmission and its high time states, local governments, traditional and religious institutions take ownership of the next stage of the gradual easing of lockdown.

When asked if Nigeria is truly winning the fight against Covid-19, the PTF Chairman said the country is not out of the woods yet, hence the need for Nigerians to support the government by adhering to all guidelines.

President Buhari is expected to approve the recommendations of the PTF on which segment of the economy will be allowed to open on Monday.

“Social Distancing In Church Is Unbiblical” – Pastor Chris

By
Alex Enemanna
-
0

Chris Okotie, the pastor of the Household of God Church, says the proposed guidelines by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the reopening of churches are “unbiblical”.

Like mosques, churches have remained closed in several states across the country for weeks as part of measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

But according to The Sun, CAN have last Thursday said it released a 10-point guideline to be presented to the federal government for approval.

Samson Ayokunle, CAN president, said the guidelines, drafted in compliance with the government’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19, would determine the operations of churches when they reopen.

The guidelines, among others, propose that churches should strictly observe social distancing during services.

“Every worshipper must wear a face mask. Social distancing should be observed in the sitting arrangement with the one-meter gap between two worshippers. One and a half-hour service is enough for a start.

Read Also: Hold Dangote Responsible For Importation Of Almajiri Into Igbo Land — COSEYL

“There should be a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services to avoid crowd,” Ayokunle had said.

In his reaction, Okotie, in a statement on Sunday, wondered why CAN would allow the coronavirus pandemic to determine the scope of worship in churches.

“Greetings. I am Rev Chris Okotie. I called earlier to discuss a report in today’s Sun Newspaper in which CAN recommend guidelines for the Opening of Churches.

“Social distancing in the Church of Jesus Christ is tantamount to blasphemous infidelity and an impeachment of the integrity of the word of God,” he said.

The clergyman said such directives undermine the divine healing characteristic for which the church is known for.

He went on to call on CAN to reconsider its position, adding that no true minister of God would support such initiative.

“Healing is fundamental to the redemptive work of Jesus. To allow the idol of coronavirus to determine the scope of congregational worship in the house of God is an abomination of gargantuan proportions,” he said.

“No true minister of the gospel will succumb to such travesty of the faith. This is a summary of my objections. I have sent this message hoping that you would respond as one who bears the burden of the cross of Jesus.

“I have restrained myself from making a public outcry of this desecration and profanation out of respect for you and the CAN hierarchy. But be assured that this position is transient.”

Okotie’s statement comes about three weeks after David Oyedepo, the presiding bishop of Living Faith Worldwide, declared that anyone against the rise of the church will die.

Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, had also scolded pastors for shutting down their churches in compliance with the federal government’s ban on religious gatherings.

Hold Dangote Responsible For Importation Of Almajiri Into Igbo Land — COSEYL

By
ABN TV EDITOR
-
2

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the umbrella body of all the youth organizations in the South East zone has said the chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has a question to answer over the influx of almajiri into the region.

The Coalition while expressing said the conveyance of almajiri with Dangote trucks into South East is an endorsement of the relocation of almajiri to the region by the richest man in Africa.

In a release signed by the President General, Hon Goodluck Egwu Ibem and Secretary General, Comrade Kanice Igwe, COSEYL accused Dangote of not investing much in the development of the region, wondering why he sees the region as the best settlement for the almajiri.

According to COSEYL, the movement of almajiri to Igbo land is a violation of the ban on interstate movement put in place by the Federal government to curb the spread of coronavirus.

“This seeming ploy and stratagem which enable these persons to inundate the South East at a time governments at all levels are battling to contain and curtail the novel Coronavirus, a contagion decimating humanity is not ideal. It is sad and disappointing quite that since Alhaji Aliko Dangote started spreading his economic tentacles around the South East there is no visible social corporate responsibility project traceable to the Group throughout the entire region. As sad as this seems, Dangote Group should have, as a legal person and entity shown itself as a socially responsible corporate citizen than what is unfolding.

“We call on Dangote because being the executive head of the Group and a leading investor in Africa, it is debasement on the Group and by extension its head that the region which constitutes one of its largest markets will be so rewarded. Aside social corporate reponsibility, there is no known empowerment scheme to our knowledge one could say is the Group’s or Dangote’s project. Is it with this malicious act that the Group and its head rewards a region that has given more than taken same from both?

“Again, we are aware that Northern governors had a joint resolution at their regional forum where the resolve was that each governor takes its own state’s almajirai back. News have it that a good number of these kids tested positive for Covid-19 and the governors to this end could not keep their parts of the bargain as they are now being shipped down South. Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi and other Northern states rank top among states with infected Almajirai, is it to decentralise the virus that motivated this act?

“Heretofore, the Almajirai were legitimate beings but under the evil times as this they now must find home in the Southeast. Our growing concern is informed by the fact that of the covid-19 cases confirmed in Kano, Almajirai have high figures. Not forgetful of the harvest of road accidents that have greeted South East from trucks carrying the Group’s manufacture, the Coalition asks Dangote Group and its head if the South East needs Almajirai more than palliatives towards which the Group’s head had immensely contributed in the North?

“We wish to remind the Group that beyond writing letters to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, it must live up to its billing and live, operate and confine itself within the extent laws of the federation especially by abiding with all stipulated guidelines of ensuring safety. We demand that the Group reviews itself further and inwardly so that this danger is not seen repeating itself.

“The Group should do assessment and findings so as to ascertain why and where this evil is coming from as a stitch in time saves nine. South East, it should be borne in mind is not any region’s dumping ground.” the Coalition said.

Hold Dangote Responsible For Importation Of Almajiri Into Igbo Land — COSEYL

By
ABN TV EDITOR
-
2

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the umbrella body of all the youth organizations in the South East zone has said the chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has a question to answer over the influx of almajiri into the region.

The Coalition while expressing said the conveyance of almajiri with Dangote trucks into South East is an endorsement of the relocation of almajiri to the region by the richest man in Africa.

In a release signed by the President General, Hon Goodluck Egwu Ibem and Secretary General, Comrade Kanice Igwe, COSEYL accused Dangote of not investing much in the development of the region, wondering why he sees the region as the best settlement for the almajiri.

According to COSEYL, the movement of almajiri to Igbo land is a violation of the ban on interstate movement put in place by the Federal government to curb the spread of coronavirus.

“This seeming ploy and stratagem which enable these persons to inundate the South East at a time governments at all levels are battling to contain and curtail the novel Coronavirus, a contagion decimating humanity is not ideal. It is sad and disappointing quite that since Alhaji Aliko Dangote started spreading his economic tentacles around the South East there is no visible social corporate responsibility project traceable to the Group throughout the entire region. As sad as this seems, Dangote Group should have, as a legal person and entity shown itself as a socially responsible corporate citizen than what is unfolding.

“We call on Dangote because being the executive head of the Group and a leading investor in Africa, it is debasement on the Group and by extension its head that the region which constitutes one of its largest markets will be so rewarded. Aside social corporate reponsibility, there is no known empowerment scheme to our knowledge one could say is the Group’s or Dangote’s project. Is it with this malicious act that the Group and its head rewards a region that has given more than taken same from both?

“Again, we are aware that Northern governors had a joint resolution at their regional forum where the resolve was that each governor takes its own state’s almajirai back. News have it that a good number of these kids tested positive for Covid-19 and the governors to this end could not keep their parts of the bargain as they are now being shipped down South. Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi and other Northern states rank top among states with infected Almajirai, is it to decentralise the virus that motivated this act?

“Heretofore, the Almajirai were legitimate beings but under the evil times as this they now must find home in the Southeast. Our growing concern is informed by the fact that of the covid-19 cases confirmed in Kano, Almajirai have high figures. Not forgetful of the harvest of road accidents that have greeted South East from trucks carrying the Group’s manufacture, the Coalition asks Dangote Group and its head if the South East needs Almajirai more than palliatives towards which the Group’s head had immensely contributed in the North?

“We wish to remind the Group that beyond writing letters to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, it must live up to its billing and live, operate and confine itself within the extent laws of the federation especially by abiding with all stipulated guidelines of ensuring safety. We demand that the Group reviews itself further and inwardly so that this danger is not seen repeating itself.

“The Group should do assessment and findings so as to ascertain why and where this evil is coming from as a stitch in time saves nine. South East, it should be borne in mind is not any region’s dumping ground.” the Coalition said.

NECO: Appointment Of Prof. Obioma Spot On — Hon. Kalu

By
ABN TV EDITOR
-
0

As accolades continue to trail the appointment the Prof. Godswill Obioma as the new Registrar and CEO of National Examination Council (NECO), Spokesman of the House of Representatives and the member representing Bende federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has joined in applauding the appointment.

Describing it as spot on, the federal lawmaker said this appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari comes at a time when NECO confronts several challenges seeking to undermine its operations, including the tasks of repairing the integrity of the examination body, solving infrastructural and technological deficits as well as fulfilling expectations to improve the turnaround time of examination results

Emphasising that education is one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable development in a release obtained by ABN TV on Sunday, Hon. Benjamin Kalu also stated that the headship of the indigenous examination body had a vital role to play in ensuring inclusive and quality education for all, so that all Nigerian children should complete free primary and secondary schooling by 2030 in line with SDG number 4.

He expressed his willingness and that of of several other leaders of Abia State in Abuja, across party lines to support President Buhari in the appointment of Prof. Obioma as the new head of NECO, adding that a reception event will be hosted in honour of the educationist in coming days.

“Education is one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable development. This rationale drives our collective pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, inclusive and quality education for all, so that all Nigerian children should complete free primary and secondary schooling by 2030. However, the attainment of this lofty goal demands excellent performance from institutions like the National Examination Council (NECO), the only indigenous public examination body in Nigeria.

“As far as executive appointments go, none has been as spot on as His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of Prof. Godswill Obioma as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO. This appointment comes at a time when NECO confronts several challenges seeking to undermine its operations, including the tasks of repairing the integrity of the examination body, solving infrastructural and technological deficits as well as fulfilling expectations to improve the turnaround time of examination results. However, adaptation to a COVID-19 and post COVID-19 era will be the single greatest challenge of the Council in a world that has been forced to reimagine its way of life.

“Following the fourth UNESCO COVID-19 Education Webinar, organized on 9 April 2020 to examine the coping strategies currently considered by various countries to manage high-stake exams, it has become clear to me that unique home grown solutions are required for the peculiarities of our own challenges. Afterall, as UNESCO’s Head of Education Research and Foresight, Mr. Sobhi Tawil, put it, “We have been imposed, globally, an experiment in remote learning. We are all managing different ways that we can”. NECO’s leadership must figure out exam delivery modes that are complaint with new public health standards and technological realities while remaining inclusive and accessible to the millions of Nigerian children in rural areas. This responsibility is an intricate dance which will require the innovativeness and insight of a leadership possessing extensive local and international experience. Prof. Obioma’s breadth of experience, his wealth of academic achievements, as well as his far-reaching contributions to education policy reforms in national and global contexts immediately distinguish him as the right fit for the job- the square peg in a square hole.

“A distinguished product of Abia State, Prof. Obioma has spearheaded a number of policy reforms and institutional changes in Nigeria’s educational curriculum including; the 9-year Basic Education Curriculum, the Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, the 34 Senior Secondary Entrepreneur/Trade subjects, the 2014 Edition of the National Policy on Education, among others. He has served as the Chairman of Nigeria Education Roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Education and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council. Internationally, he has consulted for UNESCO, UNDP, WORLD BANK, DFID and UNICEF, having served in various delegate and leadership roles including President of UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE); Member, International Experts Meeting on Key Curricular and Learning Issues in the Post 2015 Education and Development Agenda held in Geneva; and Member Nigerian Delegation to the adoption of the SDG in Education in 2014 in Nakoya Japan.

“Indeed, working as a key player in several government committees and panels on education development in the country, Professor Obioma has contributed immensely in formulating education policies in Nigeria in the last two decades with a record of achievements too vast to enumerate.

“A few days ago, I was privileged to preview his proposed 11-Point Agenda for NECO; his roadmap that impressed upon me a determination and sincerity of purpose sufficient to reignite the hope of even the most stoic pessimist that there is indeed a feasible prospect of inclusive and quality education for all Nigerian children. It is therefore with unreserved delight that myself and several other leaders of Abia State in Abuja, across party lines, express our support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s wisdom in appointing Prof. Obioma to lead the new and improved NECO, even as we prepare to host a reception event for the new Registrar/CEO in the coming days” the statement read.

BREAKING: Fears!! After Commissioner’s Death, Ikpeazu, Deputy, Others to Undergo Compulsory COVID-19 Test

By
ABN TV EDITOR
-
0

Following the death of Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Solomon Ogunji recently, the state governor Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has issued a fresh directive to all members of the state executive council.

The Governor directed that all EXCO members as well as all members of the State’s Inter-Ministerial committee on COVID-19, who recently came in contact with the late Commissioner to subject themselves to test and isolation.

In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu on Sunday, this became necessary after the outcome of tests conducted on close family members of late Ogunji.

“Following the outcome of tests conducted on close family members of a late member of the state executive council (Exco) and member of the Inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed all members of the committee and those of the Exco who might have recently come in contact with the late commissioner to immediately undergo COVID-19 tests and isolate themselves thereafter pending the outcome of the tests.

“Governor Ikpeazu who is still in mourning will also subject himself to all other necessary protocols as he has directed his Exco members including the Deputy Governor to do.

“We wish to call on all Abians to continue to observe relevant regulations issued by the government and health authorities to stem the spread of the disease” the statement read.

Police Officer Allegedly Opens Fire On Colleagues In Lagos

By
Alex Enemanna
-
0

A police officer has been arrested after opening fire on his colleagues at Onikan, killing some of them today May 31.

According to reports, the officer whose name has not been revealed, went berserk around 5 am following a disagreement with other members of his team.

After opening fire on his colleagues, the officer who is attached to the Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS hijacked their operational vehicle and drove straight to Akoka in Yaba where he attempted to force his way into a building.

The building had a metallic door and the policeman allegedly opened fire on the property to gain access. No fewer than 30 bullet holes were counted in an apartment, corridor, and ceiling of the premises.

Men from the Bariga Police Division and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were alerted and they were able to disarm the officer and take him into custody.

Read Also: Obaseki Orders Investigation Into Death Of Slain UNIBEN Student

It is believed that the officer might not be mentally stable as he was filmed screaming incoherently while firing shots.

He was also heard alleging that some persons wanted to corrupt him and that he should be allowed to go home in the name of Jesus.

Commenting on the matter, the spokesperson of the state police command, Bala Elkana, said the command was investigating to understand what truly happened.

See photos from the incident below

Police officer allegedly opens fire on his colleagues in Onikan, Lagos (photos)Police officer allegedly opens fire on his colleagues in Onikan, Lagos (photos)

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